GOTW: William Byrd victorious over Pulaski Co., heading to playoffs round two
Win and advance. Lose and your season ends. Everything was on the line Friday night for teams across our region, including William Byrd who faced off with Pulaski County.
![Northside defeats William Byrd in suspended Blue Ridge battle](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/C1fPVari9wJ3VZRmPHTIavL5_w4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-30-2021/t_4bf4cd063a58423ba070b9002c3960cb_name_image.jpg)
Northside defeats William Byrd in suspended Blue Ridge battle
VINTON, Va. โ The Northside Vikings took down the William Byrd Terriers Monday evening, 28-13, after their game Saturday was canceled due to inclement weather.
![COVID-19 causes cancellation of upcoming Jefferson Forest football game](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Aj5AQ1eYg0Xmx_iB8TZJjWtuz5A=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/L7SERMOXHZGVFG3LPPG24R2QPU.jpg)
COVID-19 causes cancellation of upcoming Jefferson Forest football game
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ Weโre seeing another high school football game get canceled because of the coronavirus. Individuals associated with the Jefferson Forest High School football team have a known exposure to a COVID-positive person, according to a school division spokesman. Due to this, Fridayโs scheduled game between Jefferson Forest and Liberty Christian Academy is canceled. Also, the junior varsity game against LCA on Monday, March 8, is canceled as well. As part of VDH guidelines, all football practices have also been temporarily suspended.
![Northside football temporarily suspends activities after five coronavirus cases](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qr_Ebb8Zr31HjtCb_loTL_Or-JU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-02-2021/t_14530a5ad2ae42bf939023fc077355e9_name_image.jpg)
Northside football temporarily suspends activities after five coronavirus cases
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Northside High Schoolโs football team is temporarily suspending activities after five cases of coronavirus were traced back to the program. The team released a statement on Tuesday and said the first person to test positive started showing symptoms on Sunday, Feb. 28. Officials said the Roanoke & Alleghany Health Department was notified on Monday as the school started contract tracing. By 8 p.m. that night, five coronavirus cases were traced back to the football program. According to the teamโs statement, the school nurse will continue contact tracing and the Roanoke & Alleghany Health Department will conduct follow-up contact tracing.
![Patrick Henry shuts out Blacksburg in River Ridge action](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/GFEUJJea6y8XTX1DXm5YC2jSQak=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-01-2021/t_237350053d364b209aa7a3dd767027cf_name_image.jpg)
Patrick Henry shuts out Blacksburg in River Ridge action
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. BLACKSBURG, Va. โ Patriots defeated the Bruins 56-0 on Sunday afternoon in River Ridge District play. Patrick Henry shuts out Blacksburg in River Ridge actionIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Salem continues winning-streak with victory over Christiansburg](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/lb0g3164Ad8yOqKShIiube80hqw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-27-2021/t_c365d7472af14d42bb4eaaffe3500720_name_image.jpg)
Salem continues winning-streak with victory over Christiansburg
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. โ Salem adds another victory to their season total Saturday afternoon, beating Christiansburg, 35-13. Salem continues winning-streak with victory over Christiansburg Salem won Saturday, 35-13If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Lord Botetourt opens season with big win, beating GW Danville, 70-6](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/QygGU3PqGo4NcsuK_bqM-iR1AEA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-27-2021/t_0feea5f2109147d79d1cefc7e698b25a_name_image.jpg)
Lord Botetourt opens season with big win, beating GW Danville, 70-6
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. DALEVILLE, Va. โ The Lord Botetourt Cavs secured an opening-season win against the GW Danville Eagles Saturday afternoon, 70-6. Lord Botetourt opens season with big win, beating GW Danville, 70-6 The Cavs won Saturday, 70-6If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![James River crowned with season-opening win over Alleghany](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/3RTeSoMgytw7RTRTE3IzGhngYr0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-27-2021/t_a2394324540746849c837691848cb563_name_image.jpg)
James River crowned with season-opening win over Alleghany
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. BUCHANAN, Va. โ James River Knights scored 26 unanswered points to beat the Alleghany Mountaineers Friday night, 26-0. James River crowned with season-opening win over Alleghany The Knights won 26-0 Friday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Rockbridge County takes down Fort Defiance to open season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/oACd39K1tMLHXj-MN77kPZhPIuU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-27-2021/t_9789076cc0fe44ec9f29d805fb9eca2d_name_image.jpg)
Rockbridge County takes down Fort Defiance to open season
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Rockbridge County takes down Fort Defiance to open season Wildcats won 15-0 Friday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_U6uvTY0jsRha8xGpTYOsJFS6EM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-27-2021/t_9bcb7a0a99db431c8964f9fe5d85ff75_name_image.jpg)
Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. FOREST, Va. โ Jefferson Forest started their season off with a win, beating E.C. Glass in the Black & Blue Bowl, 28-0. Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass The Cavs won 28-0 Friday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Franklin County soars to season-opening win over Northside](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/D7dnKB5bO0_eg10qaP2SLzoCOu4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_793bf74f32814af2aa179a1184a5e466_name_image.jpg)
Franklin County soars to season-opening win over Northside
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. โ Franklin County scored 21 unanswered points to beat the Northside Vikings on Thursday night, 28-14. Franklin County soars to season-opening win over Northside Eagles won 28-14 on Thursday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Appomattox County takes down Altavista to open season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/1Ofppys-ErCTfj9D1-kuUrCHkOM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_16800091481b449e9507a519412b6bb5_name_image.jpg)
Appomattox County takes down Altavista to open season
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. ALTAVISTA, Va. โ Appomattox County opened its season with a road win against Altavista on Thursday night, 42-6. Appomattox County takes down Altavista to open season Raiders won 42-6 on Thursday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Amherst County opens season with come-from-behind win against Rustburg](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/TTvcjhlRfIuRKz9gktDFiGlQ1BY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_b42d7bcf0617448ea9c611f3ce33fca8_name_image.jpg)
Amherst County opens season with come-from-behind win against Rustburg
Amherst County opens season with come-from-behind win against Rustburg Lancers trailed going into the fourth quarter but left with a winPublished: February 25, 2021, 11:29 pm Updated: March 12, 2021, 10:56 pm
![Brookville battles to best Liberty Christian Academy](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Wh4X5lnGjBnH7b7QMVoz7p6LqpU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_13bb60ed3dfd440e9603562159308680_name_image.jpg)
Brookville battles to best Liberty Christian Academy
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. ALTAVISTA, Va. โ In a game where both teams led, Brookville was victorious, beating LCA 25-14 on Thursday night. Brookville battles to best Liberty Christian Academy Bees won 25-14 on Thursday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Heritage gets commanding 62-7 win over Liberty](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/i5oCLE-VBAcr0t1zM2A6FR-KneU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_ee88a564296b47afa808ca03057fa5df_name_image.jpg)
Heritage gets commanding 62-7 win over Liberty
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Heritage starts its season 1-0 after beating Liberty 62-7 on Thursday night. Heritage gets commanding 62-7 win over Liberty Pioneers led 21-7 before scoring 41-unanswered points against the MinutemenIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Patrick Henry opens 2021 season with a home win over Hidden Valley](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xZDOmvMplqXLHzWLAXhkWmE2ub0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-24-2021/t_23090ed8e8c34f6faeb659c9990584eb_name_image.jpg)
Patrick Henry opens 2021 season with a home win over Hidden Valley
Brooke Leonard is the newest addition to the 10 Sports team, joining in June 2019. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ On Tuesday night, the Patrick Henry Patriots beat the Hidden Valley Titans, 14-6. Patrick Henry opens 2021 season with a home win over Hidden Valley Patriots beat the Titans, 14-6If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Pulaski County opens season with shutout win over Cave Spring](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/eltzQGryZcliG8FjyuM82ebSSd8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-23-2021/t_290da3058f9e4c6595b0f4e65406f321_name_image.jpg)
Pulaski County opens season with shutout win over Cave Spring
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ On Monday night, the Pulaski County Cougars beat the Cave Spring Knights, 42-0. Pulaski County opens season with shutout win over Cave Spring Cougars won 42-0If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
![Carroll County scores 20 unanswered, defeating Floyd County](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/8hvnUVi4Th1i4Zsafw7VnHS6fiY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-23-2021/t_8276bcb5ba404413a8f7fc62f82e1f3c_name_image.jpg)
Carroll County scores 20 unanswered, defeating Floyd County
GALAX, Va. โ Monday nightโs season opener wasnโt quite a home game for either team. Rather than play at Floyd County, both squads traveled to Galax to play on the turf. After falling into a 14-point hole, the Caroll County Cavaliers would go on to score 20 straight, winning 20-14, and start the season 1-0.
![Rural Retreat wins on the road against Fort Chiswell](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BS3FDhv-1hl5T7TsSNTX5EEe8w4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-23-2021/t_0d55e5b88e604d788a99e6bee24bcf60_name_image.jpg)
Rural Retreat wins on the road against Fort Chiswell
MAX MEADOWS, Va. โ Fort Chiswell may have struck first but that didnโt keep Rural Retreat down. The Rural Retreat Indians took down the Fort Chiswell Pioneers on Monday night, 21-14.
![Eastern Montgomery takes the lead and never reliquishes against Covington](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/2ODgKs7gUBnz4cu74zM_G6UYlNc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-23-2021/t_571297d7c6104234b5fe771cd9493989_name_image.jpg)
Eastern Montgomery takes the lead and never reliquishes against Covington
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. โ To play on better field conditions, both squads made the trek to Christiansburg on Monday night. Eastern Montgomery would come away the victor, defeating Covington, 21-14.
![Up to 250 spectators will be able to watch Virginia high school football games this season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/hGbS9NOBJ0gbsrb4S3sgWMu7ZUc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-17-2021/t_c9c712a730b447ff9d23cee73bf0df6c_name_GettyImages_1080978102__1__196.jpg)
Up to 250 spectators will be able to watch Virginia high school football games this season
Just before football season begins across Virginia, more people will now be able to watch these games in-person. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that heโs allowing up to 250 spectators at outdoor events, which includes outdoor high school sporting events, as long as social distancing can be maintained. The previous restrictions limited attendees at outdoor sports to two guests per player with the total number of spectators not exceeding 30% of the occupancy load of the venue. With regards to Virginiaโs larger outdoor venues, Northam said that hopefully next week there may be an announcement about a percentage capacity, rather than a hard-number cap on spectators.
![Glenvar Highlanders begin official start to football season on Thursday](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/lJXetePUcv7bNnJhyeHNt7HeYbI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-05-2021/t_ac924fd5b1de4285ba1f1ccdd395483b_name_image.jpg)
Glenvar Highlanders begin official start to football season on Thursday
SALEM, Va. โ Whistles blowing and sleds being pushed is typically the sound of summer preparing the boys for fall. But after a quiet 2020, the Glenvar Highlanders took to the field Thursday for the first time in over a year. Thereโs certainly a lot of differences between starting the football season in August and February. Thereโs still snow in the bleachers, but thereโs no circumstance too outrageous for the Highlanders to abide by in order to play. โAs long as we get to play football everyone will be happy,โ defensive end Blake Custer said.
![North Crossโ Michael Mack signs with Navy](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/fL2Qz4DzeO7XCfo1j7plw2xfvCM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-16-2021/t_83242693d8764635816332181d18a65c_name_image.jpg)
North Crossโ Michael Mack signs with Navy
ROANOKE, Va. โ Itโs always a good day when we get to see schools sending their players off to the next level, especially after a year like this. On Friday, North Cross linebacker Michael Mack put pen to paper with the Naval Academy to play football. Mack helped lead the Raiders to a VISAA State Championship in 2019 and earned all conference and all state honors that year.
![Virginia high schools sports get OK to start in December](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6MZSzgo52qpq3xPS4bdJt4FrToY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QCZX7VEYB5HBPG2GDJL2LDVXTQ.jpg)
Virginia high schools sports get OK to start in December
High school sports in Virginia are a go! The Championship + 1 schedule, which the VHSL approved in September, now have governmental approval to begin as scheduled, in December. Ralph Northam signed the fourth amended Executive Order 67 which includes changes to Section 12 related to recreational sports. That change will allow high school sport to begin in December as scheduled. In boys lacrosse, the game will start with a coin toss to determine which team is awarded the ball at midfield to begin the game.
![North Cross beats prep school powerhouse Fork Union 50-14](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/J75tzA2PYgEb084oymfLA5fTs8k=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-03-2020/t_82e18f0ff19e4197bcaaebdce4a8c198_name_image.jpg)
North Cross beats prep school powerhouse Fork Union 50-14
ROANOKE, Va. โ The North Cross Raiders were in action Friday night, beating Fork Union Military Academy 50-14. The Raiders looked prepared in all three phases, but head coach Stephen Alexander wanted to make sure their special teams was ready. โWe had to win in special teams to beat these dudes because thereโs many more of them and theyโre bigger than us,โ Alexander said. FUMA is a good squad, a tough squad, hats off to the way these guys prepared," said Alexander. The Raiders will take on St. Michael the Archangel on the road next Friday.
![North Cross Raiders beat Virginia Spartans in home opener](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/O9Z0ux6wWJBo_ircMb7kqahSz70=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-19-2020/t_82f27b0d210d484e95ffe89e5d89d344_name_image.jpg)
North Cross Raiders beat Virginia Spartans in home opener
ROANOKE, Va. โ The North Cross Raiders opened up their season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans, beating them 69-0. โWe had some explosiveness on defense, got some turnovers, scored a defensive touchdown which I like,โ Raiders head coach Stephen Alexander said. More than that, just excited to be out here. One of the few teams in the state who can do it. They feel very privileged and a great honor to play, so theyโre just excited to play ball.โNext for the Spartans, they will take on Advancing Christ Through Sports at home on Saturday, and the Raiders will face Fork Union Military Academy on Friday.
![North Cross Raiders and Virginia Spartans to square off on Friday](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/X83w9T5063jMP7OMDS3ZnEzvLA8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-18-2020/t_e24d4f34e62c43cfa19389a8d90c4a49_name_image.jpg)
North Cross Raiders and Virginia Spartans to square off on Friday
ROANOKE, Va. โ Itโs been a long time coming, but the North Cross Raiders will open the season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans. The Raiders are notorious for their explosive offense, but quarterback Gabe Zappia said thereโs one thing that makes them stand out this year. Same with Michael Mack too, those guys are fast.โBut Spartans assistant coach David Heckman said their experience last week helped prepare them for players like Virginia commit James Jackson. And the Spartans have play makers to get after the ball, โTheyโve got some talented guys, big bodies, theyโre tough. I know weโre one of the only teams in southwest Virginia playing,โ said senior Carlton Ward.
![Virginia high school sports officially will not begin until December](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7DiVoFU9y5RZT8caXsSL1YC03Rs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-17-2020/t_4c1269754ff3403aa03ced335367be49_name_image.jpg)
Virginia high school sports officially will not begin until December
ROANOKE, Va. โ Itโs official, the VHSL Executive Committee has approved the โChampionships +1โ voted upon in July. On Wednesday afternoon, the committee approved the plan that looks to not cancel any individual sports during the 2020-2021 school year. Hereโs how the three seasons will look. Winter Sports - December 7 โ February 20 (First Contest Date โ December 21) Basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swimming/diving and wrestlingFall Sports - February 4 โ May 1 (First Contest Date โ March 1) Cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, football, golf and volleyballSpring Sports - April 12 โ June 26 (First Contest Date โ April 26) Baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis and track and fieldThis plan truncates seasons to about 60% of their original length. For high-risk sports to be played, Virginia would need to have fewer coronavirus restrictions in place.
![Virginia high school sports wont start until December](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6MZSzgo52qpq3xPS4bdJt4FrToY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QCZX7VEYB5HBPG2GDJL2LDVXTQ.jpg)
Virginia high school sports wont start until December
ROANOKE, Va. Sorry sports fans and athletes, youll need to a little while longer for high school sports to begin. The plan, approved 34-1, was one of three options presented earlier this month for high school sports to happen in Virginia. Winter Sports - December 14 February 20 (First Contest Date December 28)Fall Sports - February 15 May 1 (First Contest Date March 1)Spring Sports - April 12 June 26 (First Contest Date April 26)This plan truncates seasons to about 60% of their original length. For high-risk sports to be played, Virginia would need to have fewer coronavirus restrictions in place. Had the sports seasons been flipped, both boys and girls lacrosse and boys and girls soccer seasons would have been canceled.
Salem Spartans trio commits to Louisiana-Monroe football program
ROANOKE, Va. They say good things come in 3s, no exception when it comes to high school athletes. Earlier in the week, Brooke Leonard brought us the story of three Lord Botetourt senior football players committing to play at Appalachian State University. Saturday, the Salem Spartans had a trio of talented football players that also decided to suit up together on the college gridiron. Zavione Wood, Jorden McDonald and Jayden McDonald all announced that they will play football at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Wood rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and over 10 touchdowns in 2019, while also playing effective defense at middle linebacker for the Spartans.
![Auburn football business as usual until VHSLโs plan is finalized](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/4w9V7JhjVxCVE06354HZivXhI1I=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-18-2020/t_b33f2cab51a94e8bb72a8a6ed6e0a00c_name_image.jpg)
Auburn football business as usual until VHSLโs plan is finalized
RINER, Va. โ The VHSL announced Wednesday three plans for high school sports moving forward, none of which included football this fall as an option. Auburn has been conditioning for a week, working on sprints, agilities, lifting, and going over plays in the classroom. Head coach Cam Akers said that they will continue to work out until a final decision is made by the VHSL. โItโs obviously different than how weโd normally do things,โ Akers said. But itโs nice to see these guys come out, be resilient through this time, and come out here and get back to work,โ Akers said.
Shane Allen eager to continue wave of success at Galax
ROANOKE, Va. The Galax Maroon Tide has become a perennial playoff powerhouse over the last decade and they hope to keep riding that wave of success with new head coach Shane Allen. I said, If youre hiring me because you think youre getting another Coach Dixon, youre going to be disappointed and Im going to be fired.' While hes new to the position, Allen is familiar with the recent Galax tradition, having served as an assistant under former Coach Mark Dixon for three years. Coach Dixon did an amazing job of building that program and getting the ingredients to make it successful. We want to be better tomorrow than we were today, we want to be better at game 5 than game 1, game 10 than game 5.
Dixon aims to keep the Cougar roar alive as he takes over Pulaski County football
ROANOKE, Va. When you think of Galax football, you think of a rugged, hard-working blue-collar style of play. Thats been thanks, in large part, to coach Mark Dixon who led the Maroon Tide for 10 years. As he shifts to Pulaski County, Dixon says he feels nervous as he strives to live up to the tradition-rich football program that was once led by VHSL Hall of Famer, Joel Hicks. Its trying to prepare more and understand whats at stake for the community and especially for the kids at Pulaski County, Dixon said. And the other thing is I want to make sure all these kids get to play in really big games, Dixon said.